ATS: Series newsletter 2008-09-02

The crucial phase
Thrilling races expected
Three more events and six races respectively to go,
representing another six opportunities to score - then, season will be over.
The 2008 ATS Formula 3 Cup is entering its crucial phase. This weekend,...

The crucial phase

Thrilling races expected

Three more events and six races respectively to go,
representing another six opportunities to score - then, season will be over.
The 2008 ATS Formula 3 Cup is entering its crucial phase. This weekend, the
young guns will have to prove their skills in the 13th and 14th rounds of
the season, held at the EuroSpeedway Lausitz, located in the Niederlausitz
region. And despite having celebrated a major success, recently, Frederic
Vervisch still is far from having made his dream come true. On the past race
weekend, at the Nurburgring, the 22-year old Belgian scored 24 points - the
maximum points available. Something none of his rivals has achieved, to
date.

Now, however, Frederic Vervisch has to confirm his form. Everybody wants to
see if he also delivers at the EuroSpeedway. Will he be able to cope with
the pressure? His rivals at least aren't ready to give up the battle. "Three
weeks ago I encountered a disastrous weekend," says Johnny Cecotto, son of
the former Motorbike World Champion and touring-car ace. "Securing just five
points wasn't enough and represented a truly annoying experience. And that's
exactly why I want to pay back, now. I'm holding third position in the
championship and my chances of securing the title still are alive." And
right he is. After all, there still are 72 points to be scored.

Matteo Chinosi is in a similar situation. The Italian also lies just 19
points behind Vervisch. "I have to close in on him as fast as possible,"
says the Italian. Nonetheless, his chances of doing so at the EuroSpeedway
don't look to promising as the EuroSpeedway seems to suit Vervisch really
well. Last year, the current championship leader won the Saturday round in
the Niederlausitz and set the fastest laps in both races.

Meanwhile, Laurens Vanthoor also displays great form. The 17-year old rookie
clearly seems to be on the way to celebrating his maiden Formula 3 win.
Three times this season he finished runner up - and secured a podium in each
of the latest three races. "It goes without saying that I think I've got
what it takes to win," he reveals. "My car is good, my team anyway - and I'm
learning race by race."

While four drivers - Frederic Vervisch, Matteo Chinosi, Johnny Cecotto and
Sebastian Saavedra - have got realistic chances of securing the title in the
overall ranking, the ATS Formula 3 Cup, three drivers are involved in a
fierce battle for the ATS Formula 3 Trophy: Marco Oberhauser, Dennis Swart
and Bernd Herndlhofer who are split by just six points.

In the 'ZF-auto motor und sport-Juniorpokal' however, Kevin Mirocha also
represents a factor. The fastest German on this year's grid has scored 71
points for the rookie ranking, to date - just six less than current leader
Sebastian Saavedra. While Saavedra, Cecotto and Vervisch have scored five
'AvD Speed-Pokal' points each. "Needless to ay that pole positions and
fastest race laps also are something special," says Colombia's Saavedra.
"After all, they demonstrate your pure speed. And if you are rewarded for
these achievements with prize money and a trophy, as done by AvD, doing well
in this area pays off even more."

Meanwhile, witnessing the ATS Formula 3 Cup races will pay off for the motor
racing enthusiasts. Remember; the crucial phase is kicked off this weekend.